Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives hosts a first-half lead.
- The striker's European strike puts Forest in command.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- The midfielder caps a great display with a penalty.
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
The hosts had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, even though they required several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident performance will give the supporters confidence that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
The forward's 11th arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the excellent McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On
Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with half of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.
This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his place in attack could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the directors' box.
That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two superb finishes and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a response," added Dyche.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
#19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.6
- #6: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to submit ratings has ended, the rating displayed is the mean from all the submissions.
